CALCIUM AND CALCIUM DEFICIENCY ?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body :

The major function of calcium is to act in cooperation with phosphorus to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Another important function is the storage of the mineral in the bones for use by the body. The calcium state of the bones is constantly fluctuating according to the diet and to the body's needs. About 99% is deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is involved in the soft tissues, intracellular fluids and blood.

AS well as compromising the health of your teeth and bones, low levels of Calcium can increase the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. Calcium may counteract the effects of sodium in the

development of hypertension. Severe deficiency can lead to abnormal heart beat, dementia and convulsions.

Calcium Deficiency Symptoms...

Calcium deficiencies are wide spread in human society with only 1/3 to 1/2 of the necessary requirements being consumed.

One of the first signs of a deficiency is a nervous affliction called tetany, which is characterised by muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.

Another deficiency ailment is osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and fragile because calcium is withdrawn from the bones and other areas faster than it is deposited in them.

Moderate cases of calcium deficiency may lead to cramps, joint pains, heart palpitations, increased cholesterol levels, slow pulse rates, insomnia, impaired growth, excessive irritability or nerves, muscle cramps, brittle nails, eczema and numbness of the arms and or legs.

A deficiency may be due to a lack of vitamin D or abnormal concentrations of hormones that regulate the availability from the bones to the blood, not to a dietary inadequacy.

Who is at risk of Calcium Deficiency...

All humans lose bone density starting between the ages of 30 and 40. Excessive bone loss affects over 20 million people, mostly women who are 45 and older. A good accumulation of calcium in the bones at early stages in life is the best prevention of age related bone loss and fractures.

When there is not enough calcium absorbed in the body, the output of estrogen decreases. As is the case with postmenopausal women, older men are often deficient in calcium.

Other people who may be at risk for deiiciencies are those who use antacids that contain aluminium; those who are alcohol drinkers; those on diets that are low calorie, high protein, or high fibre; those who are lactose intolerant; those who use cortisone; women who are pregnant and those who are basically inactive. Drinking tannin rich beverages such as tea, green tea, leafy herbal teas, red wine, coffee and chocolate for up to 1 hour after a meal can interfere with the absorption of calcium from the meal or foods they are consuming.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body...

The major function of calcium is to act in cooperation with phosphorus to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Another important function is the storage of the mineral in the bones for use by the body. The calcium state of the bones is constantly fluctuating according to the diet and to the body's needs. About 99% is deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is involved in the soft tissues, intracellular fluids and blood.

AS well as compromising the health of your teeth and bones, low levels of Calcium can increase the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. Calcium may counteract the effects of sodium in the

development of hypertension. Severe deficiency can lead to abnormal heart beat, dementia and convulsions.

Calcium is used by your body...

Bones-In the development and maintenance of bone structure and rigidity.

Blood -Calcium is essential for healthy blood and its delicate messenger ions help regulate the heartbeat. In addition, calcium assists in the process of blood clotting and helps prevent the accumulation of too much acid or too much alkali in the blood.

Heart ~Along with calcium, magnesium is needed to properly maintain the cardiovascular system.

It functions in the clotting process, nerve transmission and muscle stimulation, parathyroid hormone function and metabolism of Vitamin D, to name a few.

It also plays apart in secretion of hormones. It affects neurotransmitters, nerve transmission, muscle growth and muscle contraction. The mineral acts as a messenger from the cell surface to the inside of the cell and helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of the cell walls. Calcium aids in the body's utilization of iron and helps activate several digestive enzymes.